With its white, cubic architecture set against undulating volcanoes and lava fields, Lanzarote delivers a visual feast like no other. Part of the Canary Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Morocco, the island is known for its vineyards, rocky hiking trails and cultural attractions (thanks to artist César Manrique), as well as beaches, water sports and tapas. It’s also home to charming boutique hotels that are a great bet for travellers looking to avoid package tourism. Here are the top reasons why you should put this unique, year-round destination on your bucket list.
There’s an array of unspoilt beaches
In Lanzarote, there’s a beautiful black, golden or white-sand beach for every mood and location. Even on the south coast, where holiday resorts are located, popular beaches like Playa del Reducto (in Arrecife) have been awarded Blue Flag status for their cleanliness and safety. To the north, the beaches are long and windswept, with black sands on Playa de Famara and crashing waves that draw surfers and kiteboarders. Then there’s Caletón Blanco with soft white sand and shallow splash pools that are great for families. Meanwhile in the south, Playa Papagayo offers a string of golden-sand coves interrupted by volcanic rock.
Lanzarote has alien landscapes
Lanzarote’s volcanic topography is otherworldly and sometimes extreme. To get up close, head to Timanfaya National Park, which was created from a series of eruptions in the 18th century. The colourful yet vegetation-free area is made up of volcanic soil, which was once used by NASA to test the moon buggy. Then, you can feel like you’ve visited Mars in the Montañas del Fuego, or Fire Mountains, an area of approximately 100 volcanoes. Explore a network of trails for hiking and cycling, or go for a camel ride at Echadero de Camellos. Aside from the island’s lunar landscapes, you’ll find jagged coastlines and occasional microclimates lush with palm trees. The entire island has been declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve with a focus on conservation.
It’s a prime spot for diving and snorkeling
Lanzarote is blessed with clean, crystal-clear ocean water, providing excellent visibility to see a vast selection of sea life for scuba divers and snorkellers. Beginner divers can pick between several schools offering PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) courses, while experienced divers can enjoy various locations around the island like Charco del Palo and Puerto del Carmen. One must-visit spot is an underwater sculpture museum called Museo Atlantico, located 12m (39ft) below the surface, which scuba divers have access to. As for snorkelling, Playa de Papagayo’s five beaches provide calm, almost emerald-green water, while Playa del Jablillo is known for its low tide. Another snorkelling spot for novices is Playa Chica. The water is safe and warm for optimal underwater viewing.
It’s home to unique architecture
Lanzarote’s unique architectural style is largely due to the avant-garde designs of Spanish artist-architect César Manrique, who spent much of his life on the island. Also a nature activist, Manrique was influential to the island’s growth and success and helped lobby to keep developments sustainable, low-rise and traditional. (Expect a lot of charming whitewashed homes here; billboards are also forbidden.) Manrique also helped create and curate many of the island’s most impressive art and cultural attractions, like Jameos del Agua, a series of lava caves, plus public sculptures, gardens and even a restaurant. A must-see is Manrique’s former home, dubbed the Volcano House and one of the island’s most popular tourist spots.
It offers charming boutique accommodation
Again, thanks in part to Manrique’s conservation efforts, buildings higher than two storeys are not allowed in most places on the island. One exception is the south coast, where holiday resorts are located. But it’s not difficult for travellers looking to keep with Lanzarote traditions to book a room in one of the whitewashed, eco-friendly boutique hotels sprinkled around the island. Consider Alondras Villas Y Suites, which has 42 villas, mostly with private pools; Casa Camella, a luxury villa and cottage located in the countryside with an ocean view; and Palacio Ico, a charming nine-room hotel surrounded by cobblestone streets in the historic town of Teguise.
Lanzarote is great for water sports
As one of the Canaries’ windiest islands, Lanzarote has a lot to offer surfers, kayakers, windsurfers and kiteboarders. Numerous breakers on its beaches mean lots of great places to learn surfing, especially on Playa de Famara, where there are options for lessons. You’ll also be entertained there by kiteboarders showing their skills on the water while you watch from dry land. Windsurfers can find lessons and equipment on Playa de las Cucharas in Costa Teguise, which has ideal conditions for beginners and advanced windsurfers. Less windy beaches provide stand-up paddleboarding rentals, like Playa Flamingo, which remains calm from manmade breakwaters, as well as the shallow waters of Caleton Blanco. Kayaks can be rented on several beaches, such as Playa Blanca.
